The Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association took time on Wednesday to welcome home and thank wounded warriors on Camp Lejeune.

“It means more than you know,” said Kurtis Turner, 21, of Cornwall N.Y. “It’s good to know the community cares about us.”

The Motorcycle Association presented certificates of appreciation and care packages consisting of donations from local establishments in Onslow County to five combat veterans belonging to Wounded Warrior Battalion East. After the presentation each Marine was hugged and told “welcome home.” The members of the association then sat and talked with the Marines and their families about experiences overseas.

“Welcome home means its good to see you,” Turner said. “It almost feels like you came back together. It’s humbling.”

Huchi T. Huchi, 54, of Jacksonville, said the plaques and care packages were just a small token of the association and community’s appreciation.

“On behalf of the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association we thank you for your service, the sacrifice you made and the sacrifices you continue to make,” said Huchi to the wounded warriors. “This is our opportunity to tell you we care about you and that we’re here for you. ...We’ll do whatever we can to help you out. “

The association’s main mission is that veterans help veterans, said Huchi.

“Part of our job is welcoming them home,” Huchi said. “We thank them for their service and we open doorways to communication.”

Everyone, both veterans and non-veterans, should thank both active duty and veterans of the military, said Huchi.

“People need to try and lose the fear,” Huchi said. “Extend their hand in friendship and acknowledge the person is a vet and thank them for their service.

“We come out here to let them know they aren’t forgotten.”

To make a tax deductible donation to the Combat Veterans Motorcycle Association contact Huchi T. Huchi at 910-330-2054.